Three dimensional printer and cartridge

ABSTRACT

In one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for use in a three dimensional (3-D) printer is described. Another aspect of the invention relates to a 3-D printer that is arranged to engage the cartridge. Various embodiments relate to devices, methods, software and systems related to the above cartridge and/or printer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/126,876, entitled “Rapid Coupling, Cartridge Based Passive Thermal Transduction Extruder for 3D Printing,” filed Mar. 2, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to three dimensional printing. Various embodiments of the present invention relate to particular cartridge and printer designs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Three dimensional (3-D) printing is an increasingly popular way of creating objects. Generally, three-dimensional printing involves dispensing successive layers of a deposition material (e.g., plastic) to form an object. In the past, manufacturing companies would use expensive, complicated equipment to print objects. However, the devices used for 3-D printing have become more affordable and simpler to use. As a result, many hobbyists and non-engineers have embraced three-dimensional printing and used it to create a wide variety of objects, such as toys, household items and even simple machines.

In various implementations, 3-D printing is performed using a computer, deposition material (e.g., plastic filament) and a printer. At the computer, a user executes a program for modeling a desired object. Data indicating the shape and features of the object is transmitted to the printer. Based on the received data, the printer determines how different parts of the printer (nozzle, platform, etc.) should be moved to form the object. The printer heats the deposition material and feeds it into the nozzle. The nozzle of the printer then releases the deposition material over the platform. The printer moves the nozzle and platform relative to one another such that the desired object is gradually formed through the deposition of successive layers over the platform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems, methods, software, devices and hardware relating to three dimensional printing. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a cartridge and a three dimensional printer arranged to interface with the cartridge.

In one aspect of the present invention, a three dimensional printing cartridge is described. The cartridge includes a housing, a storage compartment and a nozzle assembly. The storage compartment is positioned in the housing and is arranged to store deposition material. The nozzle assembly is positioned at least partially within the housing and is arranged to receive the deposition material from the storage compartment. The nozzle assembly also includes a heater receiving element and a nozzle. The heater receiving element is arranged to engage a heating element from an external three-dimensional printer. The heater receiving element is arranged to help heat a portion of the deposition material in the nozzle assembly. The nozzle is coupled with the heater receiving element and is fixedly attached with the housing.

In another aspect of the present invention, a three-dimensional printer is described. The printer includes a housing, a compartment, a platform, a cartridge interface and a heating element. The compartment is positioned within the housing. The platform is positioned in the compartment and is arranged to receive deposition material that is dispensed within the compartment. The cartridge interface is situated at the housing and is arranged to engage a cartridge that includes the deposition material and a nozzle assembly. The heating element is arranged to engage with the cartridge and help heat the deposition material in the cartridge. The printer is arranged to dispense the deposition material from the nozzle assembly of the cartridge over the platform. The printer is also arranged to not move the nozzle assembly while the deposition material is being dispensed.

In another aspect of the present invention, a three-dimensional printer is described. The printer includes a housing, a compartment, a cartridge interface, a platform and a contact. The compartment is positioned within the housing. The cartridge interface is situated at the housing and is arranged to engage a cartridge that includes deposition material and a nozzle assembly. The platform is positioned within the compartment and is arranged to receive the deposition material from the nozzle assembly. The contact is positioned on the platform and is arranged to send a signal indicating that the nozzle assembly has touched the contact. The printer is arranged to determine the position of the nozzle assembly over the platform based at least in part on the signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and the advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a three-dimensional printing system according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a cartridge according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of a nozzle assembly according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the cartridge and its internal components according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a three-dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of the platform assembly illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of some components in a three-dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams indicating movements of 3-D printer platform according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of various components inside a 3-D printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the cartridge and the three-dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a magnified view of a portion of the diagram illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10-11 are perspective views of a cartridge and three-dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12-13 are perspective views of a heater receiving element and a heating element according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of components in the printer and the cartridge according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is flow diagram illustrating a method for preparing a nozzle and a platform for printing according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16A-E are side views of some of the operations described in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a cartridge, a nozzle assembly, a contact, a platform and a 3-D printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using a cartridge according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using a three-dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings, like reference numerals are sometimes used to designate like structural elements. It should also be appreciated that the depictions in the figures are diagrammatic and not to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As noted in the Background, over time three-dimensional printers have become smaller and more affordable. As a result, they have started to spread from industrial facilities and businesses into the homes and garages of hobbyists and non-engineers.

Although the operation of three-dimensional printers has become somewhat simplified over the years, they are nevertheless still challenging to use. For example, many conventional printers require that a user manually mount a spool of plastic filament into the printer. Afterward, the user holds one end of the filament and inserts it into a feed mechanism that leads to a nozzle. When the printer is operating properly, it will continuously move the filament through the feed mechanism, melt the filament into a plastic state, and then release the plastic from the nozzle to form a desired object.

In this process, however, a number of problems can occur. For instance, the insertion of the filament into the tube and nozzle acquires fine precision and can be done improperly. It takes time and can be tedious to perform. Also, since the filament is manually handled and is exposed to the air, oil, hair and dust can easily collect on the filament and/or enter the feed mechanism. As a result, a clog can form in the feed mechanism, which can cause an error in the printing process. Whenever this happens, the user must remove the clog and realign the filament with the feed mechanism. This can be a challenging and frustrating process, particularly for a layperson.

Another source of frustration is the positioning of the nozzle prior to printing. For example, in some Cartesian printers, the printer causes the nozzle to touch the platform. In various implementations, the nozzle must touch the platform in multiple locations e.g., four or more locations. This is because in such printers, if the entire platform is not extremely flat, the print may fail. That is, the printer uses the contact between the nozzle and the platform to confirm the flatness of the platform as well as the position of the nozzle relative to the platform. In some designs, if the platform is not found to be sufficiently flat for printing, the printer will display a warning to the user. The user must then manually adjust the position of the platform. Sometimes, the user will receive multiple warnings and will have to manually adjust the position of the platform multiple times, because even a slight slant in the platform can cause printing to fail. Such a situation, of course, can cause much frustration for the user.

Various embodiments of the present invention address one or more of the above issues. Referring initially to FIG. 1, a system 99 for three-dimensional printing according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. The system includes a printer cartridge 100, a three-dimensional printer 105 and a computing device 115.

The computing device 115 is arranged to transmit data indicating the dimensions and/or characteristics of an object that will be formed in the 3-D printer 105. In some embodiments, for example, the computing device 115 stores a three-dimensional model of the object. The user may interact with the computing device to edit or create the model, and/or it may be downloaded or transferred into the computing device 115. In various implementations, software on the computing device 115 then slices the model into multiple, successive layers. The computing device 115 transmits data indicating the object characteristics, layers and/or the model to the 3-D printer over a network 120. Any suitable software may be installed and used on the computing device 115 to perform the above operations e.g., 3-D modeling software, software suitable for generating STL files, etc.

The computing device 115 may be any device suitable for communicating with and controlling the 3-D printer 105. In some embodiments, the computing device is a laptop, a computer tablet, smart phone, desktop computer and/or another type of computing device. Any suitable network or communications protocol may be used to transmit data to and/or receive data from the 3-D printer e.g., WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, etc. The network 120 may be wired or wireless.

The cartridge 110 is arranged to provide deposition material to the 3-D printer 105. The cartridge 110 may have of wide variety of configurations, shapes and designs. (An example design of the cartridge 110 will be described in more detail later in this application in connection with FIG. 2A.) In some implementations, for example, a spool of filament is rotatably mounted within a housing. A feed mechanism within the housing helps direct filament towards a nozzle assembly in the cartridge. The nozzle assembly is arranged to dispense the deposition material within a compartment of the 3-D printer.

Generally, the cartridge 100 includes an engagement element on its exterior. For example, the engagement element may be but is not limited to a slot, a latch and/or rail. In various designs, the cartridge is arranged to be slid into or inserted into the 3-D printer using the engagement element. Generally, the cartridge is removable e.g., in various embodiments, it may be easily and repeatedly engaged with and withdrawn from the 3-D printer 105, and is not (permanently) attached with adhesive, screws and/or bolts to the printer 105.

The use of the cartridge offers various benefits. For one, it prevents the deposition material and/or the feed mechanism from being exposed. This helps prevent dirt and oil from entering the feed mechanism and causing a clog. Additionally, the user need not manually insert a filament or deposition material into the nozzle assembly. Instead, in various designs, the filament is pre-inserted into the nozzle assembly and encased in the housing. Thus, once the cartridge is engaged with the printer, the filament is already properly positioned within the cartridge so that it can be heated and dispensed to form the desired object on the platform.

When the cartridge 100 is properly engaged with the printer 105 and object data has been received from the computing device 115, the 3-D printer 105 is arranged to determine the printer operations necessary to form the desired object. Generally, the 3-D printer 105 includes a printing compartment and a platform. The cartridge provides a nozzle assembly and a supply of deposition material. The 3-D printer 105 is arranged to dispense the deposition material from the nozzle assembly in order to form the object indicated in the data received from the computing device 115.

Various implementations of the 3-D printer 105 include features that make the printer easier to use and calibrate. In some embodiments, for example, the platform of the printer includes a contact. The contact, which may include a button and/or a sensor, is arranged to generate a signal when it has been touched by the nozzle. Prior to printing, the 3-D printer causes the nozzle to touch the contact and uses the resulting signal to help determine the location of the nozzle relative to the platform. Unlike some conventional printer designs, there may be no need for the nozzle to touch multiple different points on the platform in order to properly calibrate the printer. This helps reduce or eliminate the delay, inaccuracy and frustration resulting from such calibration procedures.

Additionally, various designs of the 3-D printer 105 involve a nozzle and a nozzle assembly that do not move during the operation of the printer and/or the dispensing of deposition material from the nozzle. For example, the printer may be a polar coordinate printer. In some implementations, the printer is arranged to rotate, raise, lower and otherwise move the platform. The nozzle, however, does not move while dispensing deposition material and is fixedly attached with the cartridge.

Many 3-D printers are Cartesian printers i.e., in which the nozzle moves and is repositioned while deposition material is dispensed. One disadvantage of such printers is that they require extremely flat platforms. Even a slight deviation in the alignment of the platform can cause the nozzle to either dig into or drift too far from the surface of the platform. As will be discussed later in the application, such problems are greatly reduced in some of the 3-D printer designs described herein.

A 3-D printer design with a non-moving nozzle also works well with the aforementioned cartridge design. If the aforementioned cartridge design were used and the printer were required to move the nozzle during the printing process, then the entire cartridge and its store of deposition material would have to be constantly in motion. Alternatively, the nozzle of the cartridge could be flexibly attached (e.g., using a flexible tube) with the cartridge, which would allow the nozzle to be moved independently from the cartridge. However, such a design may have other problems. For instance, it is easy for a clog to develop in the flexible tube that connects the cartridge with a separated nozzle. Additionally, the constant motion of the flexible tube can increase the chance that the deposition material or filament in the tube is warped or broken. Thus, it has been determined that for various applications, the aforementioned cartridge design works particularly well with the polar coordinate printer or a printer in which the nozzle is not required to move during the operation of the printer. Put another way, in various embodiments, the nozzle is not coupled with deposition material in the cartridge through a flexible tube, but instead the nozzle is fixedly attached with the housing of the cartridge. In some embodiments, any tube that connects the nozzle with the cartridge stays within the housing of the cartridge during the operation of the printer and/or does not flexibly bend and move during the printing process.

Referring next to FIG. 2A, a cartridge 200 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cartridge 100 illustrated in FIG. 2A may be the cartridge 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The cartridge 100 includes housing 205, a storage compartment 220, a feed mechanism 233, deposition material 210 and a nozzle assembly 225. A magnified view of the nozzle assembly 225 is provided in FIG. 2B. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, a 3-D printer can support multiple cartridges. Each of the cartridges can be a self-contained cartridge and each cartridge can contain either the same or a different type of deposition material in terms of color, consistency, texture, and/or chemistry. Each of the self-contained cartridges can be readily removed from or attached to the 3-D printer by a user to facilitate color and material variations as well as to remedy material or technical issues with the 3-D printer. It will be understood that, in embodiments having multiple cartridges, a different nozzle can be provided for each cartridge.

Housing 205 is arranged to cover and protect the internal components of the cartridge 200. The housing 205 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, ceramic and plastic. In various embodiments, the housing 205 is in the form of a hard, substantially inflexible shell that almost entirely encases the nozzle assembly 225, the deposition material 210 and/or other internal components, although portions of the nozzle assembly 225 (e.g., at least a portion of the nozzle, the heater receiving element, etc.) may be exposed through openings or apertures in the housing.

The exterior of the housing 205 may include features that help facilitate its engagement with the 3-D printer. In some designs, there are one or more engagement elements 234 on the exterior of the housing 205. Each engagement element may be but is not limited to a slot, a rail and/or latch. One particular design involves a rail (e.g., a structure that extends along an axis and extends out of a surface of the cartridge) that is arranged to slide into a slot on the exterior of a 3-D printer.

The interior of the housing includes a storage compartment 220. The storage compartment 220 is a space within the housing 205 that is arranged to contain deposition material 210. The deposition material 210 may be any suitable material that can be extruded or dispensed through the nozzle assembly 225 to form the desired object. For instance, the deposition material may be but is not limited to polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), any suitable form of plastic and a food material.

The deposition material 210 may be stored in any suitable form. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the deposition material 210 is in the form of filament. The filament is coiled around a hub 215, which is part of or attached with the housing 205. In other embodiments, the deposition material is in the form of pellets or any other suitable shape.

The feed mechanism 233 is any suitable structure that is arranged to help direct the deposition material 210 towards and/or through the nozzle assembly 225. In the cartridge 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A, for example, a portion of the filament is uncoiled from the spool 215 and extends through the feed mechanism 233 and the nozzle assembly 225. In this example, the feed mechanism 233 includes a pressure roller 235 and a feed gear 212. As will be discussed later in the application, the feed gear 212 is driven by a pinion in a 3-D printer when the 3-D printer is engaged with the cartridge 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the feed gear 212 is in physical contact with the filament and, when rotated, helps push the filament through the nozzle assembly 225. The pressure roller 235 is positioned at an opposing side of the filament relative to the feed gear 212. The pressure roller 235 applies pressure onto the filament and helps stabilize it as it is moved through the nozzle assembly 225. The pressure roller 235 and the feed gear 212 are positioned close to one end of the nozzle assembly. It should be appreciated that the feed mechanism 233 may have a different design and/or include fewer or more components than what is illustrated in FIG. 2A. For instance, the feed mechanism 233 may include different numbers of rollers, gears or other components such as a funnel, tubing, etc., which help guide the filament/deposition material towards the nozzle assembly.

Referring next to FIG. 2B, the nozzle assembly 225 illustrated in FIG. 2A will be described. The nozzle assembly 225 includes a nozzle 260, a heater receiving element 250, a heat sink 255, a tube 270 and an insulating layer 275. It should be noted that the illustrated embodiment is intended to be exemplary and other embodiments are also contemplated that may depart from the design shown therein.

The tube 270 may be any hollow structure arranged to help transport the deposition material 210 through the nozzle assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, one end 253 a of the tube is arranged to receive the filament/deposition material 210 from the storage compartment 220. The other, opposing end 253 b of the tube is attached to the nozzle 260. The tube 270 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, ceramic and plastic.

An insulating layer 275 covers at least portions of the tube 270 and is arranged to help prevent heat from escaping the nozzle assembly 225 into the ambient environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating layer 275 covers all exposed surfaces of the tube 270. The insulating layer may be made of any suitable thermally insulating material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE).

In this design, a heat sink 250 is (directly) attached to the tube 270 and is arranged to help dissipate heat from the nozzle assembly 225. The heat sink 250 may be made of metal and/or any suitable thermally conductive material. The heat sink 250 may take a variety of different forms e.g., a comb-like shape. The heat sink 250 may be positioned in any suitable location in the nozzle assembly 225 e.g., as indicated in the figure, at the midsection of the tube 270 between the two end 253 a and 253 b.

The heater receiving element 250 is arranged to receive the heater element from a 3-D printer when the printer is engaged with the cartridge 200. The heater receiving element 250 may take a variety of forms. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the heater receiving element 250 forms a tube or socket with an open end into which the heater element can be inserted. The open end of the heater receiving element 250 may be flared, as shown in the figure, to help facilitate the insertion of the heater element. The other (closed) end of the heater receiving element 250 is attached (directly) to the tube 270 (e.g., at end 253 b of the tube), the nozzle 260 or another suitable location on the nozzle assembly.

In various implementations, the heater receiving element 250 is attached at a location on the nozzle assembly 225 that is adjacent to or directly at the nozzle 260. When the heating element of a printer is inserted into the heater receiving element 250, heat passes into the nozzle assembly 225 and melts a portion of the filament/deposition material 210. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, there is a portion of the filament/deposition material 210 that extends through the nozzle assembly 225 and that is adjacent to the location on the nozzle assembly 225 where the heater receiving element 250 is attached. In various embodiments, the heat causes this portion of the filament/deposition material to change from a solid state to a plastic/glass state, so that it can be dispensed through the nozzle 260.

The nozzle 260 may be any suitable structure arranged to extrude or dispense deposition material onto a platform in the 3-D printer to form the desired object. The nozzle 260 may be made of a wide variety of materials and/or have various forms. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the nozzle is made of metal and has a tapered tip 265 through which extrudate is released, although this is not a requirement and the nozzle 260 may have a different shape or configuration (e.g., that of a straight, non-tapered tube.)

Referring next to FIG. 3, an exploded view of a cartridge 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cartridge 300 may have any of the features described in connection with cartridge 200 of FIG. 2A.

In this particular embodiment, the housing of the cartridge 300 is formed from at least three parts (parts 305 a-305 c.) The parts, when fitted together, collectively encase and form a protective shell around an interior storage compartment. The housing may be made of any suitable material. For example, it may be made of a hard, relatively inflexible plastic. A hub 310 is positioned in the storage compartment. A spool 315 of filament/deposition material is rotatably mounted on the hub. The filament may be made of any suitable deposition material e.g., PLA, ABS, etc.

FIG. 3 also displays various embodiments of a nozzle assembly 325 and a feed mechanism 333. The nozzle assembly 325 includes a nozzle 365, heat sink 355 and a tube 370, which may be covered in an insulating material. The feed mechanism 333 includes a feed gear 312 and one or more rollers 335. The one or more rollers and the feed gear are engaged with and/or are in physical contact with the filament 357 that extends through the tube 370 and the nozzle assembly 325. The feed gear 312 includes a cylinder with two ends. At one end, there is a toothed gear that is arranged to engage a feed pinion from the 3-D printer. When the pinion is powered and rotated by the printer, it rotates the feed gear as well. The other end, when rotated, is arranged to apply force onto the filament to help push it through the nozzle assembly 325. Just before or as a portion of the filament passes through the nozzle, it is heated by the heater receiving element 350. Thus, filament dispensed from the nozzle is in a plastic/glass state.

Referring next to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a three dimensional printer 400 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. The 3-D printer 400 may be any suitable printer that is arranged to form objects using any known three dimensional printing technique e.g., additive manufacturing, fused deposition modeling, etc. The 3-D printer 400 may be, for example, the printer 105 of FIG. 1. The printer 400 includes a housing 405, an inner compartment 410, a cartridge interface 415 and a platform assembly 440. Near or at the cartridge interface 415 is a feed pinion 425, feed gear motor 430 and a heating element 435. As indicated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the platform assembly 440 includes a platform 445, a contact 450, a platform turning mechanism 455, slider 460, a table 465, a control system 420 and associated motors and gears. It should be appreciated that the illustrated printer is intended to be exemplary and non-limiting, and that a wide variety of different printer systems (e.g., Cartesian, polar coordinate, etc.) with fewer or more components may be used.

The housing 405 is arranged to protect and/or encase internal components of the printer 400. The housing 405 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic and metal. In various embodiments, the housing 405 includes a door 407 that can be opened to obtain access to the inner compartment 410.

The housing 405 and the printer 400 may take a wide variety of different forms. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the housing 405 has opposing top and bottom surfaces 408/409. The top surface 408 is the location at which a cartridge interfaces with the printer e.g., the location of cartridge interface 415, feed pinion 425 and the heating element 435. The bottom surface 409 is arranged to be placed on an underlying surface e.g., the floor or a table. This above design is intended to be exemplary, however, and it should be appreciated that the housing 405 and the printer 400 may have any suitable arrangement, configuration and/or shape.

The inner compartment 410 is arranged to be a space within the housing 405 in which printing takes place. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform assembly 440, which includes a platform 445, a slider 460 and a table 465, rests on a bottom surface 417 of the compartment. The opposing top surface 418 of the compartment 410 shares a housing wall with the cartridge interface 415 and/or is arranged to help physically support a nozzle assembly 225 of a cartridge 200, so that deposition material can be dispensed over the platform 445 through the nozzle assembly 225.

The platform 445 is any suitable structure that is arranged to receive deposition material dispensed from the nozzle assembly 225. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, for example, the printer 400 is positioned such that deposition material is dispensed directly onto a top surface 447 a of the platform 445 to form the desired object. The platform 445 may be of any suitable size and shape. In various implementations, the top surface 447 a of the platform is circular.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a contact 450 is positioned on the platform 445. The contact 450 may be any structure, mechanism or device on the platform that is arranged to help generate a signal when it is touched e.g., by the nozzle 260 of the nozzle assembly 225. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the contact 450 is a mechanical button that extends at least partially through the platform. In other embodiments, the contact 450 is or includes an electrical contact, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor or any other suitable type of sensor arranged to detect the touching or proximity of an object (e.g., the nozzle.) In various implementations, the contact 450 is a structure physically separate from the platform, while in other implementations, it forms a part of or is integrated into the platform.

In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the contact/button extends entirely through the platform 445, the platform turning mechanism 455 and at least partially through the slider 460. Put another way, there are apertures in the platform and platform turning mechanism that are aligned with one another, thus allowing the contact/button to extend through them. In this example, the top surface 447 a of the platform 445 and the top surface 452 a of the contact/button are coplanar. Additionally, the top surface of the contact/button is exactly at the center of the circular, top surface of the platform. In other designs, however, the contact and platform may have different arrangements. For example, in some implementations, the contact 450 may be not extend entirely through the platform 445 and/or may be situated in a recessed region in the platform.

The contact 450 is coupled with the control system 420. When the contact 450 is touched and/or when the contact/sensor detects the proximity of a particular object (e.g., the nozzle 260 of a cartridge 200), it is arranged to generate a signal. The control system 420 receives the signal and, in response, sends commands to other components in the printer 400. As will be discussed in greater detail later in the application, the control system 420 determines the proper position of the nozzle relative to the top surface of the platform in part based on the signal.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, underlying the platform 445 is a platform turning mechanism 455. The platform turning mechanism is arranged to physically support and/or rotate the platform e.g., around the Z axis 475. In some embodiments, the platform turning mechanism is a circular, rotatable gear. A platform turning gear 480 engages the platform turning mechanism and drives its rotation. A platform turning motor 482 provides power to and drives the platform turning gear 480. In this example, the platform 445 is fixedly attached with the underlying platform turning mechanism 455, so that when the platform turning mechanism 455 rotates, the platform rotates as well.

In this example, the platform turning mechanism 455 is sandwiched between the platform 445 and the slider 460. The slider 460 is any suitable structure that is arranged to help move the platform along an R axis 476 i.e., a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the Z axis. (Note that in some embodiments, the R axis may also be extending directly out of the page, rather than across the page.) In various embodiments, the platform 445 and/or the platform turning mechanism 455 are fixedly attached with the top surface 461 a of the slider 460, so that when the slider moves, the platform and/or the platform turning mechanism move in tandem. A slider gear 462, which is driven by the slider motor 463, is physically engaged with the slider 460. When the slider gear 462 is powered by the motor 463, the slider gear 462 rotates, which causes the slider 460 to move along the R axis.

The table 465 is any suitable structure arranged to help physically support, raise and lower the overlying platform 445, platform turning mechanism 455 and/or the slider 460. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the table 465 is fixedly attached with a Z axis gear 467, which is powered by a Z axis motor 468. The Z axis gear 467 engages a rail 485 that extends in a direction parallel to the Z axis 475. When the Z axis gear is rotated, the table 465 and other components that overlie the table (e.g., the platform 445, the platform turning mechanism 455 and the slider 460) move upward or downward within the compartment i.e., along the Z axis 475.

The table 465 may have a variety of designs. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the table 465 is at least partially hollow and contains an internal space. In the space are circuitry, memory and/or one or more processors that make up the control system 420. (Note that the in some designs, the control system 420 may be positioned in a different location of the printer.) Other components (e.g., motors or gears) may also be situated in the space within the table.

On one or more exterior surfaces of the housing 405 of the printer 400 is a cartridge interface 415. The cartridge interface 415 is any structure arranged to engage with the printer. Any suitable locking or attachment mechanism may be used in the cartridge interface. In some implementations, for example, the cartridge interface 415 includes a rail, a slot, a latch, a fastener or some other attachment/connecting apparatus. Generally, the cartridge interface 415 helps to securely attach the cartridge with the printer, as well as help properly position the cartridge 200 so that printing can begin using the deposition material 210 and nozzle assembly 225 in the cartridge 200.

The heating element 435 is any suitable structure in the printer 400 used to heat deposition material in the cartridge. The heating of the deposition material is performed so that the formerly solid deposition material can be put into a state such that it can be easily dispensed from the nozzle assembly 225 of the cartridge 200. Generally, the heating element 435 is arranged to engage the heater receiving element 250 of the cartridge 200. For example, the heating element 435 may be a tube 270 or structure that is arranged to extend through an opening in the cartridge housing such that is positioned adjacent to the tube or nozzle of the nozzle assembly in the cartridge. The heating element 435 generates heat, which helps melt deposition material in the tube or nozzle.

The heating element 435 may have a wide variety of designs. In some implementations, for example, the heating element 435 includes a hollow tube made of a thermally conductive material e.g., metal. Inside a space within the tube is a (metallic) wire or coil. To generate heat, the 3-D printer 400 runs a current through the wire. There may also be a temperature sensor attached on the outside or inside of the heating element 435, so that the control system 420 of the printer 400 can determine whether a predetermined, desired temperature has been reached.

The control system 420 of the printer 400 may adjust the temperature of the heating element, depending on the type of deposition material used. For example, if PLA is used as a deposition material, in various embodiments, the printer may heat the heating element to a temperature of over 150° F. or between 170 and 230° F. If ABS is used, the printer may be arranged to heat the heating element to a temperature of over 220° F. or between 220 and 280° F. Generally, the printer may heat the heating element to a wide range of temperatures e.g., whatever temperature is needed to change deposition material to a plastic or glass state at a desired rate.

The heater element 435 may be positioned in a variety of locations and configurations. For example, the heater element 435 may be exposed outside of the housing of the printer. In other embodiments, the heater element 435 is positioned within the housing, but is accessible through a door or opening in the housing 405.

The printer also includes a feed pinion 425. The feed pinion 425 is a gear or other structure that is arranged to engage the feed gear 212 on the cartridge 200 and help drive the filament/deposition material through the nozzle assembly 225 of the cartridge 200. In various embodiments, the feed pinion 425 is exposed outside of the housing 405 of the printer 400, so that it has easy access to the cartridge. In other embodiments, the pinion 425 is within the housing, but is accessible through a door or opening in the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed pinion 425 is driven by a feed pinion motor 430.

The feed pinion 425 and/or feed pinion motor 430 may be positioned in various locations on the printer. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the feed pinion 425 and the feed pinion motor 430 are positioned on a top side/surface 408 of the printer. When the cartridge is inserted into or engaged with the top side of the printer, the feed pinion 425 is in a position to engage the feed gear 212 of the cartridge 200.

Referring next to FIG. 5, a perspective view of selected internal components of a 3-D printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention is described. FIG. 5 illustrates a 3-D printer 500 (which may have any of the features and components of the printer 400 of FIG. 4) that includes a feed pinion 525, feed gear motor 530, a heating element 535, a platform 545 and rails 585 for vertically raising and lowering the platform. For illustrative purposes, the platform 545 is transparent so that the underlying platform turning mechanism 580 can be seen.

In this particular embodiment, the platform 545 is circular and is centered over the underlying platform turning mechanism 580, which is also circular. The platform 545 is fixedly attached with the platform turning mechanism 580 so that when the mechanism rotates, the platform rotates.

The platform 545 is also attached with a Z axis gear 567, which is driven by a Z axis motor 468. When the Z axis motor 468 causes the Z axis gear 567 to rotate, the gear 567 moves along the rail 585 along the Z axis 575, together with the platform 545.

Referring next to FIGS. 6A-6C, various side views of a 3-D printer 600 and a cartridge 690 according to a particular embodiment are described. The printer 600 may have any of the features or components of other printers described herein (e.g., printer 400 of FIG. 4.) FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various ways in which a platform 645 and/or connected components (e.g., a platform turning mechanism, a slider and a table) may be moved within the compartment of the printer. In the illustrated embodiment, the printer 600 includes a platform 645 and a table 665. The table 665 underlies and helps physically support the platform 645.

In FIG. 6A, the platform 645 is rotating, as indicated by the arrows. More specifically, it is rotating around a Z axis 675 that extends vertically up through the printer i.e., an axis that extends perpendicular to the top surface 647 a of the platform 645. It should be noted that in this example, the table is not necessarily rotating. Rather, there may be a gear (e.g., platform turning mechanism, which is not shown) that is sandwiched between the table and the platform. The platform 645 is attached to the gear and rotates in tandem with the gear, while the table remains still and/or does not rotate.

In FIG. 6B, the platform 645 is moving in a lateral direction i.e., in a direction that is perpendicular to the Z axis 675. In this example, the table 665 is not necessarily moving in the same direction. There is a structure (e.g., a slider, which is not shown) that is sandwiched between the table 665 and the platform 645. The slider is fixedly attached with the platform, such that when the slider moves in the lateral direction, the platform 645 moves laterally in tandem, while the table remains still.

FIG. 6C indicates that the platform 645 is capable of being raised and lowered. (In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the platform was in a raised position, and in FIG. 6C it has been lowered.) The raising and lowering involves moving the platform vertically along the Z axis 675. In this example, the table 665 is capable of moving up and down as described above. Since the platform 645 rests on the table 665, the platform moves up and down in tandem with the table.

Any of the movements described above may be driven by various gears and motors described in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, the vertical raising and lowering of the platform may be performed using the Z axis gear 467, Z axis motor 482 and the table. The lateral movement of the platform may be performed using the slider gear 462, the slider motor 463 and the slider 460. The rotation of the platform may be performed using the platform turning mechanism 455, the platform turning motor 482 and the platform turning mechanism 455.

Referring next to FIG. 7, an exploded view of various components inside the compartment of an example printer 700 (e.g., which may be printer 400 of FIG. 4) will be described. The components include a platform 745, a platform turning mechanism 755, a contact 750, a slider 760 and a table 765. The components may have any of the features of the corresponding components described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In this particular embodiment, the platform 745 includes a top surface 747 a that is circular. At the center of the top surface 747 a is an aperture that extends entirely through to an opposing bottom surface of the platform. The bottom surface of the platform rests on and/or is fixedly attached to an underlying platform turning mechanism 755.

The platform turning mechanism 755 also includes a top surface 756 a and an opposing bottom surface that have circular shapes. At the center of the top surface of the mechanism is an aperture that extends entirely through the mechanism to the bottom surface. In various embodiments, the edges of the mechanism are toothed, so that they can engage the platform turning gear 780.

The slider 760 includes a top surface 761 a and an opposing bottom surface. The bottom surface of the platform turning mechanism rests on the top surface of the slider. The top surface of the slider may have grooves, rails or other features that allow the platform turning mechanism to freely turn without causing the slider to turn as well. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the edge of the slider 760 is toothed, so that it can easily engage a slider gear 762. When a slider motor 763 drives the slider gear 762, it rotates, which causes the slider to move in a lateral direction. The slider carries the overlying platform, contact and/or platform turning mechanism, such that they move laterally in tandem with the slider.

In this particular embodiment, the contact 750 is in the form of a button. The button is arranged to transmit a signal when it is pressed (e.g., by the nozzle 260 of the cartridge 200.) In this example, the button includes a base 752 having a cylindrical shape and a depressible trigger that also has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the base is larger than the diameter of the trigger. The trigger is inserted into the base and extends perpendicular to the top surface of the base.

The trigger 751 is capable of being in at least two positions. The first position is when the trigger extends a particular amount out of the top surface of the base 752, which is its default position when no pressure is applied to it. The second position is when pressure is applied to the trigger (e.g., by the nozzle of a cartridge), which causes the switch to extend less out of the top surface of the base. A sensor or mechanism within the mechanism detects this pressure and transmits a signal to the control system 420 of the printer.

The button 750 is arranged such that it extends through the apertures in the platform 745, the platform turning mechanism 755 and the slider 760. In various implementations, the trigger portion of the button extends through the apertures in the platform 745 and/or the platform turning mechanism 755, while the base portion of the button is seated in a recessed region or aperture in the top surface 761 a of the slider 760. In various implementations, the top surface of the switch is coplanar with the top surface 756 a of the platform.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the bottom surface of the slider is positioned in a recessed region or slot in a top surface 769 a of the table 765. Thus, in various designs, the top surface of the slider and the top surface of the table are coplanar. The slider is able to slide freely along the recessed region, which defines a slot in the top surface of the table that conforms to the shape of the slider.

The table 765 may or may not have a bottom surface. In some designs, the table is a hollow shell or housing, with an open space defined by the top surface and perpendicular side surfaces of the table. In various embodiments, circuitry (e.g., a processor and memory) for the control system 420 and/or motors and gears may be situated in this space. In the illustrated example, the Z axis motor 768 and/or a Z axis gear 767 are attached to one or more of the side surfaces of the table 765. The gear 767, when rotated, causes the platform and the overlying components (e.g., the platform, the platform turning mechanism, the slider) to rise or lower within the compartment i.e., move vertically along the Z axis.

Referring next to FIGS. 8 and 9, diagrams illustrating the engagement of the cartridge 200 and the 3-D printer 400 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this example, the cartridge 200 and the printer 400 are the cartridge and printer illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 4A, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 200 is oriented so that its bottom surface 201 a (out of which a nozzle 260 extends) is facing downward i.e., in a direction that is perpendicular to the bottom surface 417 of the compartment 410 in the printer 400. To engage the cartridge 200 with the printer 400, the cartridge 200 is moved laterally into or along the printer i.e., in a direction that is a parallel to the top surface 408 of the printer 400. Other movements (e.g., vertical movements) may be used in addition to or instead of this lateral movement to engage the cartridge 200 with the printer 400.

In various embodiments, the top surface 408 of the printer supports or includes a cartridge interface 415 with one or more engagement elements e.g., a rail, a slot, a latch, etc., which helps secure the cartridge 200 to the printer 400. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the top surface 408 of the printer includes or supports one or more slots or recessed regions that extend in a direction parallel to the top surface. The cartridge 200 also includes one or more engagement elements 234 (e.g., a rail) that is inserted into the slot. The rail of the cartridge 200 is then slid along the slot of the printer 400 until the rail reaches the end of the slot. At that point, the cartridge 200 is fully seated in the printer 400.

In this example, the lateral motion of the cartridge 200 creates at least two points of engagement. For one, the lateral motion causes the heater element 435 of the printer 400 to engage or become inserted into the heater receiving element 250 of the nozzle assembly 225. Also, the lateral motion of the cartridge 200 simultaneously causes the feed gear 212 of the cartridge to physically engage the feed pinion 425 of the printer.

As a result of the above engagement, the heating element 435 of the printer 400 and the feed pinion 425 of the printer 400 are able to perform their intended functions. That is, the heater element is arranged to generate heat and use the heat to help melt deposition material/filament in the nozzle assembly 225 to a plastic state. The heat generated by the heating element 435 flows upward through the nozzle assembly 225 and dissipates out through the front grate 346 (FIGS. 3 and 13). As shown in FIG. 3, a cavity 348 is provided to facilitate heat flow to prevent heat build-up in the cartridge 200 and deformation of the deposition material. The feed pinion 425, which is powered by the feed pinion motor 430 of the printer, is arranged to rotate, which in turn rotates the feed gear 212 of the cartridge 200. This rotation helps move the deposition material/filament through the nozzle assembly.

When the cartridge 200 is fully seated in and engaged with the printer 400 as described above, at least a portion of the nozzle 265 is exposed and/or extends beyond the housing 405 and is positioned within the inner compartment 410 of the printer. The nozzle 260 faces in a downward direction i.e., in a direction parallel to the Z axis and/or in a direction that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the compartment 417 or the top surface of the platform 445. Accordingly, the nozzle 460 is well positioned to dispense deposition material over the platform.

Referring next to FIGS. 10 and 11, a cartridge 1050 and a printer 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For the purpose of illustration and clarity, the housings of the cartridge and printer are drawn to be transparent so that their inner components can be seen. FIGS. 10 and 11 indicate an example method of attaching the cartridge 1050 to the printer 1000.

In this example, the cartridge 1050 includes a spool of deposition material/filament 1060, a feed gear 1055, a heater receiving element 1065, as well as any of the cartridge components described in connection with the cartridge 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The spool 1060 forms a cylinder with opposing top and bottom surfaces. In this example, the deposition material/filament is coiled to help form sides of the cylinder. The spool is situated within the cartridge such that the top and bottom surfaces of the spool are parallel and/or adjacent to opposing side surfaces 1051 a of the cartridge 1050.

A bottom surface 1051 b of the cartridge 1050, which is perpendicular to the side surfaces, is arranged to rest on the top surface 1001 a of the printer 1000 when the cartridge is fully seated in the printer, as shown in FIG. 11. A nozzle of a nozzle assembly in the cartridge 1050 points in the same downward direction that the bottom surface 1051 b of the cartridge 1050 faces.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 1050 also includes an attachment surface 1051 c, which is perpendicular to both the side surfaces 1051 a and the bottom surface 1051 b of the cartridge. The heater receiving element 1065 of the cartridge extends in a direction perpendicular to this attachment surface. The heater receiving element may be at least partially exposed and positioned outside the attachment surface, or be within the housing of the cartridge e.g., accessible through an opening or a door in the housing.

There is also a feed gear 1055 that is positioned near, at or on the attachment surface. The feed gear 1055 may be at least partially exposed outside of the cartridge housing, or positioned within the housing e.g., accessible through an opening or a door in the housing. In this particular embodiment, the feed gear 1055 has the shape of a flat cylinder. The top and opposing bottom surfaces of the gear are connected with toothed side surfaces. In this example, the feed gear is positioned such that the toothed surfaces face outward in the same direction as the attachment surface 1051 c and the top/bottom surfaces of the feed gear are parallel to the side surfaces of the cartridge.

The printer 1000 includes a base structure 1010 and a top attachment structure 1005. The base structure 1010 includes opposing top and bottom surfaces. The top surface of the printer 1001 a, as shown in FIG. 11, is arranged to support the bottom surface of the cartridge. The attachment structure 1005 is a structure that is positioned on or extends out of the top surface 1001 a of the base structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the feed pinion 1015 and the heating element 1020 of the printer are at least partially covered by, supported by or positioned within the attachment structure 1005 of the printer 1000. In this example, the attachment structure 1005 forms a slot/recessed region in cooperation with the top surface 1001 a of the base structure. The cartridge 1050 is arranged to fit into this slot/recessed region. When the cartridge is fully seated in the slot/recessed region of the printer, the heating element 1065 of the printer extends into the heater receiving element 1065 of the cartridge, as shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, the feed pinion 1015 of the printer engages the feed gear 1055 of the cartridge.

It should be noted that the orientation of the heater receiving element in the cartridge is somewhat different in the cartridge of FIG. 10 than it is in, for example, the cartridge of FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the heater receiving element 1065 is facing outward and away from the cartridge. That is, the aperture in the heater receiving element through which the heating element is inserted faces the printer and/or faces in the same direction as the attachment surface.

In FIG. 9, however, the design of the heater receiving element 250 is somewhat different. The heater receiving element 250 in FIG. 9 is facing inward. Put another way, the cartridge 200 includes a bottom surface 201 a that rests on the printer, and two opposing side surfaces (first and second side surfaces 201 b/201 c) that are perpendicular to and/or at opposing edges of the bottom surface 201 a. The heater receiving element 260 is substantially closer to the first side surface than the second side surface, but does not face in the same direction as the first side surface. Rather, it faces in the same direction as the second side surface.

Referring next to FIGS. 12 and 13, an enlarged perspective view of the engagement between the heating element of the printer and the heater receiving element of the cartridge. FIG. 12 illustrates a particular implementation of the cartridge 200 and printer 400 in FIG. 9, in which the heater receiving element 250 of the cartridge and the heating element 435 of the printer 400 are close to one another, but have not yet fully engaged one another.

As seen in FIG. 12, the bottom surface 201 a of the cartridge, which rests on a top surface of the printer, includes an aperture 202. A portion of the nozzle 260 and/or nozzle assembly 225 extends out of the aperture and is exposed outside the housing 205 of the cartridge 200. In the illustrated embodiment, much of the tubing is almost entirely encased in the housing, but enough of the nozzle assembly 225 extends through the aperture 202 such that the nozzle 260 and the heater receiving element 250 are exposed outside of the cartridge housing.

The bottom surface 201 a of the cartridge 200 includes a rail or ridge 1205 that is shaped to engage a slot 1210 at the edge of a top surface of the printer 408. The ridge, which extends along an R axis 476, is arranged to slide along the slot. That is, the cartridge is arranged to slide in a direction that is parallel to the top surface of the printer 408. As the cartridge is slid in this manner, the heating element 435 of the printer 400 simultaneously moves further into the heater receiving element 250 of the cartridge 200. That is, the heating element enters and extends into the opening in the heater receiving element.

The heating element 435 is in the shape of a cylinder or bar that is arranged to fit into the opening of the heater receiving element 250. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a space or opening 1220 in the housing of the printer 400 where the heating element 435 is positioned. This space helps prevent the heating element from heating and damaging parts of the housing or other components of the printer. FIG. 13 illustrates the heating element 435 and heater receiving element 250 of FIG. 12 when they are fully engaged with one another. That is, in FIG. 13, the heating element 435 of the printer 400 is inserted into the heater receiving element 250 of the cartridge 200.

Referring next to FIG. 14, a diagram of selected components of a cartridge 200 and a printer 400 according to a particular embodiment are described. The components are illustrated at a point in time in which the cartridge and the printer are fully engaged with one another. They may be, for example, components of the cartridge 200 and printer 400 of FIGS. 8 and 9.

In the illustrated embodiment, the printer includes a feed pinion motor 425 and a feed pinion 430. The feed pinion motor drives the feed pinion, causing the feed pinion to rotate. In this example, the feed pinion is a toothed gear that engages the toothed gear of a feed gear 212 in the cartridge 200. At one end of the feed gear is a toothed gear. The opposing end is engaged with deposition material/filament (not shown) that is inserted into the nozzle assembly 225. The rotation of the printer feed pinion 430 causes the interlocked cartridge feed gear 212 to rotate as well, which helps push the deposition material/filament into and through the nozzle assembly 225. In the illustrated embodiment, the area of engagement where the feed gear structure and a pressure roller engage the deposition material/filament is adjacent to or very close to the opening in the nozzle assembly 225 where the deposition material/filament enters.

The deposition material/filament enters one end 253 a of a tube 270 of the nozzle assembly 225, which is covered in a thermally insulating material 275. It extends through a space within the tube to an opposing end 253 b of the tube, which is connected with a nozzle 260.

The heating element 435 of the printer 400 extends through an opening in a heater receiving element 250 of the nozzle assembly 225. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater receiving element forms a socket or tube that the heater receiving element is inserted into. When the heating element is fully inserted into the heater receiving element, it is close to or adjacent to a space in the tube that is close to the nozzle (e.g., at end 253 b of the tube.) Alternatively, the heater receiving element 250 may be coupled to the nozzle itself. When the heating element 435 is heated, the heat is transmitted through the tube or nozzle, which causes the deposition material/filament within to change from a solid state to a plastic state. When the printer is printing, the deposition material is then dispensed from the nozzle into the compartment 410 of the printer 400 and onto the platform 445. According to an embodiment, the heating element 435 is spring-loaded with force to thermally couple with heater receiving element 250.

Referring next to FIGS. 15 and 16, a method 1500 of using a three dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating the method 1500. FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of various steps in the method, which involve a nozzle 260 and a platform 445. In this example, it is assumed that the method 1500 is performed using the printer 400 illustrated in FIG. 4A and the cartridge 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A. The cartridge 200 and the printer 400 are fully engaged with one another e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. However, it should be appreciated that the method 1500 may be performed using any suitable printer, cartridge, nozzle assembly and platform.

Initially, at step 1505, a user activates a three-dimensional printer 400. The user may, for example, touch or trigger a power switch on the printer. In other embodiments, the user may activate the printer remotely e.g., using a wireless connection, a smart phone and/or another portable device.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16A, when the printer 400 has just been activated, the platform 445 and the nozzle 260 are separated from one another. At step 1510, the printer 400 raises the platform 445 to bring it in closer proximity to the nozzle 260. This raising of the platform may be performed as previously described e.g., in connection with FIGS. 4A, 4B and 6.

At step 1515, the printer 400 positions the nozzle 260 such that it touches the contact 450 on the platform 445. An example of this is shown in FIG. 16B, in which the tip 265 of the nozzle 260 applies pressure to the contact 450. It should be noted that the contact 450 may have any suitable design or architecture (e.g. as described in connection with FIG. 4A.) For example, the contact 450 may be an electrical contact, a sensor, or a button. This step may involve further raising the platform so that a (stationary) nozzle touches the contact 450 on the platform 445.

As discussed in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the nozzle 260 touches and/or applies pressure to the contact 450, the contact transmits a signal indicating that this has happened. At step 1520, a control system 420 of the printer 400 receives this signal.

In various embodiments, the information indicated by the signal may be helpful for several reasons. For one, the control system 420 is informed that the nozzle has reached the top surface of the platform. Based on this information, the control system 420 can determine a suitable distance between the nozzle and the platform surface prior to printing. This is important because in various implementations this distance must be precisely determined. If the nozzle is too far from the surface of the platform during printing, the deposition material may fail to adhere to the surface of the platform, thereby causing a printing error. On the other hand, if the distance between the nozzle and the platform is too small, there is a risk that the deposition material dispensed on the platform will be squeezed and/or that the nozzle will drive into the surface of the platform.

Various existing printer designs have systems for determining a proper distance between the nozzle and the platform. For example, some systems use a sensor/detection mechanism that is outside of the platform. When the platform and/or the nozzle are repositioned such that they are touching one another, the sensor/detection mechanism is supposed to trigger. However, since the sensor/detection mechanism is outside of the platform itself, there is a possibility that it will not properly reflect the actual position of the nozzle relative to the platform. Put another way, to truly confirm the relative positions of the nozzle in the platform, in various applications it is desirable to use a sensor/contact that is actually in the same location as the area of interest i.e., where the nozzle touches the platform.

Additionally, as previously discussed, in some embodiments, the contact is positioned in the center of the top surface of the platform. For example, in some polar coordinate printer designs, the top surface of the platform that is arranged to receive the dispensed deposition material is in the shape of a circle, and the contact is in the exact center of the circle. When the nozzle is determined to have touched the contact, the control system is informed that the nozzle is also in the exact center of the platform. This is particular useful information for polar coordinate printer designs, in which printer operations are based on polar coordinates i.e., in terms of radius or distance from a center point.

Optionally, the printer 400 may redo some of the above steps in order to more precisely determine the position of the nozzle 260. For example, in some embodiments, since the platform 445 begins at the bottom of the compartment of the printer, the printer raises it (e.g., step 1510) fairly quickly until the nozzle touches the contact (e.g., step 1515). This helps to save time during the startup process. However, it may be desirable to obtain a more precise determination of the relative positions of the nozzle and the platform. Accordingly, at step 1525, the printer lowers the platform, thereby creating a distance between the nozzle and the platform. Then, at step 1530, the printer causes the nozzle to touch the platform, which triggers the transmission of a signal indicating that action i.e., the printer repeats steps 1515 and 1520. When causing the nozzle to touch the platform a second time, the printer may raise the platform more slowly than in step 1510, so that it can more precisely determine the current location of the nozzle.

After the control system 420 of the printer 400 determines, based on the signal, that the nozzle has touched the contact 450 on the platform, the printer 400 repositions the nozzle 260 and the platform 445 to create a suitable distance between the nozzle and the platform (step 1535 and FIG. 16C). For instance, if A represents a predetermined distance between the top surface 447 a of the platform 445 and the nozzle 260 that is suitable for printing, in various implementations, the printer lowers the platform to create distance of A+B between the nozzle and the platform, where B represents a predetermined additional distance. The repositioning of the nozzle and the platform is based on the signal received in step 1520 i.e., they are based on the assumption that the signal helps accurately represent the location of the nozzle relative to the platform at that time.

Additionally, the printer may laterally reposition the nozzle relative to the platform, as shown in FIG. 16D. For example, if printing is to be performed in a polar coordinate printer, it is common for the printing process to start closer to the edge of the circular surface of the platform, rather than at the center of the platform. Thus, during this step, the printer may laterally move the platform so that the nozzle is in an appropriate position. As previously discussed, this may involve moving a slider 460 that underlies the platform 445. This causes the platform to move laterally (e.g., along an R axis 476) and positions the nozzle at a location that is closer to the edge of the top surface of the platform than the center.

At step 1540, the printer 400 heats the nozzle assembly 225. In various designs, it is not desirable to begin this heating process when the nozzle is too close to the platform, which is the reason why step 1535 is performed. As previously discussed, this process may involve heating the heating element 435 of the printer 400, which is inserted into the heater receiving element 250 of the cartridge 200. In various implementations, the printer continues to heat the heating element until a desired temperature has been reached, which may vary depending on the type of deposition material that is used. The control system 420 of the printer may determine the temperature at the heating element based on data received from a temperature sensor that is inside or coupled with the heating element.

After a suitable temperature has been reached and/or the heating process has been completed, at step 1545, the printer 400 repositions the nozzle 260 in preparation for the dispensing of deposition material. To use the above example, the printer may then raise the platform a distance B, such that there is only a distance A between the nozzle and the top surface of the platform.

At step 1550 and as shown in FIG. 16E, the printer begins to dispense deposition material through the nozzle 260 over the platform 445. During the printing process, the printer may laterally move the platform and/or rotate the platform so that the deposition material is dispensed in an appropriate pattern to form the desired object. In some printer designs, the printer may also/instead move the nozzle during the printing process.

The above method involves multiple, specific steps that are performed in a particular order. However, it should be appreciated that in some implementations of the method, the steps are reordered or modified. Additionally, one or more steps may be added or removed.

Additionally, the above method assumes a printer design in which the platform is capable of movement, but the nozzle is not capable of movement. However, this is not a requirement. That is, in some implementations, to bring the nozzle and platform closer together, the nozzle can be moved, rather than just the platform. Put another way, the use of the contact as described above is not limited to polar coordinate printers or printers that are only capable of platform movement, but rather to any suitable printer design (e.g., Cartesian printers, etc.)

Referring next to FIG. 17, a diagram of a cartridge and a three-dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. This diagram illustrates an operation (e.g., step 1515 of FIG. 15) in which the printer causes the tip of the nozzle to touch a contact on/at the platform. The illustrated cartridge and three-dimensional printer may be, for example, the cartridge 200 of FIG. 2A and the printer 400 of FIG. 4A.

In this particular embodiment, the contact 450 is a mechanical button. The top surface 452 a of the button is substantially coplanar with the top surface 447 a of the platform 445. In this example, the top surface of the button is also positioned at the center of the (circular) top surface of the platform. The button extends through apertures in the platform 445, the platform turning mechanism 455 and the slider 460. The bottom surface 452 b of the button, which opposes the top surface of the button, is positioned on the top surface of the table 466 a.

The table 465 may include one or more motors that help adjust the position of the platform. In this particular embodiment, a platform turning motor 482 is positioned within the table. The platform turning motor is coupled with a platform turning gear 480 that is positioned over the top surface of the table and underneath a bottom surface of the platform 445. The platform turning gear 480 is physically engaged with the platform turning mechanism 455.

Referring next to FIG. 18, a method 1800 for using a cartridge according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. Initially, at step 1805, a cartridge and a three-dimensional printer are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge and printer are the cartridge 200 and printer 400 of FIGS. 2A and 4A, respectively, although any cartridge or printer described herein may be used.

At step 1810, the cartridge 200 engages the printer 400. In some embodiments, for example, the cartridge is inserted into or locked into the printer. Various techniques for engaging the cartridge with the printer are described, for example, in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9.

At step 1815, the cartridge 200 receives a heating element 435 of the printer 400. For instance, the cartridge 200 may have heater receiving element 250 e.g., a tube that is positioned close to or adjacent to a nozzle of the cartridge 200. The heating element of the printer can be inserted into an opening in the tube. The engagement between the heating element of the printer and the heater receiving element of the cartridge may be performed as described in connection with FIGS. 9, 12, 13 and 14.

At step 1820, the cartridge 200 receives heat from the heating element 435. In various embodiments, heat is transmitted from the heating element into a nozzle assembly 225 of the cartridge 200 via the heater receiving element 250 of the cartridge 200. This helps to melt deposition material/filament inside of the nozzle assembly so that it can be dispensed over the platform to form an object.

At step 1825, the cartridge 200 receives a feed pinion 425 of the printer 400. The feed pinion of the printer engages a feed mechanism 233 in the cartridge 200. The feed mechanism may include a feed gear that, when engaged and driven by the feed pinion, helps move the filament/deposition material through the cartridge and the nozzle assembly. This step may be performed using any of the techniques and structures described herein e.g., as described in connection with FIGS. 9, 10 and 11.

At step 1830, the feed mechanism 233 in the cartridge 200 helps move deposition material through the cartridge 200 and the nozzle assembly 225. In various embodiments, as described above, the feed gear 212 of the cartridge 200 is physically engaged with a portion of the filament/deposition material. When the feed gear is driven by the feed pinion of the printer, the feed gear rotates, causing the deposition material/filament to move towards the nozzle 260. In designs involving a spool of filament that is rotatably mounted within the cartridge, as the feed gear is rotated, more filament is uncoiled from the spool and moved through the nozzle assembly 225.

At step 1835, the cartridge dispenses deposition material 210 through the nozzle 260. That is, the deposition material is dispensed in a plastic/glass state from the nozzle onto the platform 445 of the printer 400.

Referring next to FIG. 19, a method 1900 for using a three-dimensional printer according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will be described. This method 1900 may be performed using any of the cartridges or printers described herein (e.g., the cartridge 200 and printer 400 of FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively.)

At step 1905, a cartridge 200 and a three-dimensional printer 400 are provided. At step 1910, the printer 400 receives a cartridge 200. For example, the printer 400 may include a cartridge interface 415. The cartridge interface may include any suitable feature that is used to help secure the cartridge to the printer e.g., a rail, a slot, a latch, etc. The user then attaches the cartridge with the printer using the cartridge interface e.g., as described in connection with FIGS. 9, 10 and 11.

At step 1915, the printer 400 engages a heater receiving element 250 of the cartridge 200 with the heating element 435. In various embodiments, the printer may extend its heating element into an opening in the heater receiving element e.g., as described in connection with FIGS. 8-14. Once the heating element 435 is inserted fully into the heater receiving element 250, it is positioned near to or adjacent to deposition material within the nozzle assembly 225 of the cartridge 200, thereby allowing it to heat the deposition material.

At step 1920, the printer 400 engages a feed mechanism 233 in the cartridge 200. In various embodiments, a feed pinion 425 in the printer 400 engages a feed gear 212 in the cartridge 200. A motor 430 in the printer drives the feed pinion 425, causing it to rotate. The rotation of the feed pinion is arranged to rotate the feed gear, which in turn helps move the deposition material/filament through the nozzle assembly, as previously described.

At step 1925, the printer 400 is activated e.g., using a remote device, wireless connection or a power switch on the printer. At step 1930, the printer positions the platform relative to the nozzle. During this step, any of the steps of method 1500 of FIG. 15 may be performed e.g., positioning/moving the platform, causing a contact to be touched, receiving a signal, etc.

At step 1935, the printer 400 heats the deposition material in the cartridge 200. As previously described, in some embodiments, the heating element 435 of the printer 400 may be a metallic tube that includes a coil/wire. The printer 400 runs an electrical current through the coil/wire, which causes the temperature of the heating element to rise.

At step 1940, the printer 400 uses the cartridge 200 to dispense deposition material over the platform 445. That is, the printer 400 uses its engagement with the feed mechanism 4233 in the cartridge 200 to move deposition material through the nozzle assembly 225. The printer heats a portion of the deposition material that is near to or adjacent to the nozzle. Deposition material is then dispensed from the nozzle. Based on data received from a connected computing device 115, the printer 400 continuously repositions the platform relative to the nozzle so that the desired object is formed from the dispensed deposition material.

The above application includes various methods, each with multiple operations. It should be noted that in some implementations, one or more of these operations are modified, reordered or removed. In other implementations, one or more operations are added. Thus, it should be appreciated that the methods may be adjusted as needed for various applications.

The application sometimes refers to structure that have multiple components. It should be noted, however, that not all implementations of the structure need to have all of the described components. Some implementations may have only one or some of the components, or may have fewer or more components. For example, in this application, there are references to a nozzle assembly. One description of a nozzle assembly indicates that a nozzle assembly includes at least a tube, heat sink, heater receiving element, a thermally insulating layer and a nozzle. However, in some implementations of the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly includes none of these elements except for the nozzle. In other implementations, one, some, all or more than these components are included in the nozzle assembly.

This application sometimes refers to Cartesian and polar coordinate printers. A Cartesian printer is a printer that is based on a Cartesian coordinate system. In various implementations, this means that the printer is controlled at least in part based on Cartesian coordinates e.g., X, Y and Z coordinates. For example, some printer designs involve identifying locations on the surface of a printing platform in terms of X and Y coordinates. The height or elevation of a printing platform and/or a nozzle may be defined using a Z coordinate. The printer then generates or obtains instructions that indicate how the platform and/or nozzle should be moved during the printing process in order to form a desired object. The printer moves these components based on the instructions. In a Cartesian printer, these movements and instructions may involve the use of the X, Y and Z coordinates.

A polar coordinate printer is a printer that is based on a polar coordinate system. In various implementations, this means that the printer is controlled based on polar coordinates e.g., an amount of rotation and a radius or distance from a center/origin point. For example, in some printer designs, locations on the surface of the platform are understood or represented in terms of distance from a single (central) point (e.g., radius) and an angle. When the printer generates or obtains instructions that indicate how the platform and/or nozzle should be moved during a printing process, the instructions are based or use polar coordinates.

Any of the methods or operations described herein for any device (e.g., the printer or cartridge) may be stored in the form of executable computer code in a non-transitory, computer readable medium. The computer code, when executed by a processor in the device, will cause the device to perform the operations.

Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be appreciated that the invention may be implemented in many other forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the drawings and specification of this application described a variety of different printer and cartridge designs. It should be appreciated that any component described in one figure may include any feature of the corresponding component in another figure. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A replaceable deposition material cartridge configured to be inserted into a three dimensional (3-D) printer as a single unit to provide deposition material to the 3-D printer without being permanently attached to the 3-D printer, the cartridge comprising: a housing; a store of deposition material; a storage compartment in the housing that is arranged to store the store of deposition material; a nozzle assembly that is positioned at least partially within the housing and is arranged to receive the deposition material from the storage compartment, the nozzle assembly further comprising: (i) a heater receiver that is configured to internally receive and engage a heating element from a three-dimensional (3-D) printer wherein the heater receiver is arranged to help heat a portion of the deposition material, wherein the heating element is not a part of the cartridge; and (ii) a nozzle that is coupled with the heater receiver and is fixedly attached with the housing, wherein the nozzle is configured to extrude or dispense deposition material to facilitate 3-D printing and the heater receiver is configured to heat the deposition material to facilitate the extrusion or dispensing of the deposition material; and an engagement mechanism that cooperates with a cartridge interface on the printer to guide the cartridge to a seated position in the printer during insertion of the cartridge into the 3-D printer, wherein the engagement mechanism is arranged such that, as the cartridge is guided into the 3-D printer via the engagement mechanism, the heater receiver moves over the heating element of the 3-D printer such that the heater receiver receives and engages the heating element when the cartridge is in the seated position in the printer; and wherein the cartridge is configured to be replaceable as a single, self-contained unit.
 2. The cartridge as recited in claim 1 wherein the nozzle is fixedly attached with the housing such that, during operation of the 3-D printer, the nozzle is incapable of moving independently from the housing.
 3. The cartridge as recited in claim 1 wherein the heater receiver is a socket arranged to receive the heating element of the 3-D printer.
 4. The cartridge as recited in claim 1 wherein the cartridge is not permanently attached to the 3-D printer and is not held in place on the 3-D printer by any adhesive, screws or bolts.
 5. The cartridge as recited in claim 1 wherein: the deposition material is a filament; the cartridge further comprises a spool of the filament that is rotatably mounted within the storage compartment; and the cartridge is further arranged to help move the filament into the nozzle assembly as the filament is unspooled.
 6. The cartridge as recited in claim 5 further comprising: a feed gear that is engaged with the filament and that is positioned within the housing wherein the feed gear is arranged such that, when the cartridge is engaged with the 3-D printer, a gear of the 3-D printer engages the feed gear of the cartridge to help move the deposition material through the nozzle assembly.
 7. The cartridge as recited in claim 1 wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises: a rigid tube having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the tube being attached to the nozzle, the tube being formed of metal; and a heat sink that is attached at a location on the rigid tube between the first end and the second end, wherein the rigid tube and the heat sink are positioned within the housing.
 8. The cartridge as recited in claim 7 wherein the nozzle extends through an aperture in the housing and is partially exposed outside of the housing and is partially covered by the housing.
 9. The cartridge as recited in claim 8 wherein the heater receiver is attached to the nozzle and is arranged to help heat deposition material within the nozzle.
 10. The cartridge as recited in claim 1 wherein the nozzle is not coupled with the store of deposition material through a flexible tube.
 11. The cartridge as recited in claim 1 wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises a rigid member having a conduit through which the deposition material passes to feed the nozzle, the rigid member being fixedly attached to the housing.
 12. A three dimensional (3-D) printer including the cartridge as recited in claim 1, the 3-D printer further comprising: a printer housing; a compartment within the printer housing; a platform positioned in the compartment that is arranged to receive deposition material; a cartridge interface situated at the printer housing that is arranged to engage the cartridge that includes the deposition material and the nozzle assembly; the heating element that is arranged to engage with the cartridge and help heat the deposition material in the cartridge wherein: the 3-D printer is arranged to dispense the deposition material from the nozzle assembly of the cartridge over the platform; and the 3-D printer is arranged to not move the nozzle assembly while the deposition material is being dispensed.
 13. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 12 wherein the 3-D printer is a polar coordinate-based printer.
 14. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 12 further comprising a feed pinion that is arranged to engage the cartridge and help move the deposition material in the cartridge through the nozzle assembly.
 15. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 12 wherein the heating element is arranged to have a surface temperature of greater than 180° C. and wherein the heating element is arranged to be inserted into a socket at the cartridge to help heat deposition material in the cartridge.
 16. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 12 further comprising a contact that is positioned on the platform over which the deposition material is deposited wherein the 3-D printer is arranged to touch the contact with the nozzle assembly and wherein the contact includes one of a mechanical button, an electrical contact, a capacitive sensor and a magnetic sensor.
 17. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 12 wherein: a first one of the cartridge interface on the printer, and the engagement mechanism on the cartridge includes a rail; a second one of the cartridge interface on the printer, and the engagement mechanism on the cartridge includes a slot; and when the cartridge is inserted into the printer, the rail is slid along the slot until the rail reaches an end of the slot.
 18. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 12 wherein the cartridge is secured to the 3-D printer such that the cartridge housing and the nozzle assembly do not move during printing of three dimensional objects.
 19. A three dimensional (3-D) printer including the cartridge as recited in claim 1, the (3-D) printer further comprising: a printer housing; a compartment within the printer housing; a cartridge interface situated at the printer housing that is arranged to engage the cartridge that includes the deposition material and the nozzle assembly; a platform positioned in the compartment that is arranged to receive the deposition material; and a contact on the platform that is arranged to help generate a signal indicating that the nozzle assembly has touched the contact wherein the 3-D printer is arranged to determine a position of the nozzle assembly over the platform based at least in part on the signal.
 20. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 19 wherein the contact includes one of a mechanical button, an electrical contact, a capacitive sensor and a magnetic sensor.
 21. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 19 wherein the contact is a button that is positioned within the platform.
 22. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 19 wherein the contact is situated at the center of a top surface of the platform.
 23. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 19 wherein the 3-D printer is a polar coordinate-based printer.
 24. The 3-D printer as recited in claim 19 wherein after activation of the 3-D printer and before any dispensing of the deposition material from the nozzle assembly, the 3-D printer is arranged to cause the nozzle assembly to touch the contact on the platform and does not require the nozzle assembly to touch any other portion of the platform.
 25. A replaceable deposition material cartridge configured to be inserted a three dimensional (3-D) printer as a single unit to provide deposition material to the 3-D printer without being permanently attached to the 3-D printer, the cartridge comprising: a housing; a storage compartment in the housing that is arranged to store deposition material; a nozzle assembly that is positioned at least partially within the housing and is arranged to receive the deposition material from the storage compartment, the nozzle assembly comprising a nozzle that is fixedly attached with the housing; a heater receiver configured to internally receive a heating element from a 3-D printer, wherein the heater receiver is configured to help heat a portion of the deposition material, the heater receiver receiving element being configured such the cartridge is guided into the 3-D printer via an engagement mechanism, the heater receiver moves over the heating element of the 3-D printer to thereby receive the heating element, the heating element being a component of the 3-D printer and not a component of the cartridge; and a feed gear that is engaged with the deposition material and that is positioned within the housing wherein the feed gear is arranged such that, when the cartridge is engaged with the 3-D printer, a gear of the 3-D printer engages the feed gear of the cartridge to help move the deposition material through the nozzle assembly. 